Missing―One Brain!
Bruce Coville
Missing―One Brain!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bruce Coville
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if losing your homework was the least of your problems? Imagine being the first alien kid in a human school and suddenly your grandfather’s brain goes missing! Now, with friends at odds and mysterious secrets leaking out, can Pleskit solve the biggest mystery of sixth grade before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade sci-fi adventure follows Pleskit Meenom, an alien attending school on Earth, as he faces the challenge of finding his missing grandfather’s brain while dealing with friendship struggles and media attention. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends humor and science fiction with themes of friendship and social challenges. Parents should note the light conflict and mild peril typical of middle-grade fiction.
Why we rated Missing―One Brain! 9LP
Missing―One Brain! is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Missing―One Brain! works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Missing―One Brain! as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Friendship, Social Themes.
Thematically, Missing―One Brain! explores science fiction, alien contact, friendship, coming of age, and humor — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science fiction, alien contact, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781534464841
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- 2020-08
- Type
- Fiction